Apply for a Council Tax exemption if you're a foreign language assistant

You may get a discount or exemption if you or someone you live with is a foreign language assistant.

You must be:

• registered with the British Council
• working as a foreign language assistant at a UK school or educational organisation

We do not count some people when working out how many people live in a property. This is also known as being 'disregarded'.

Check who's disregarded for Council Tax.

Even if you're disregarded, you'll need to apply for a discount or exemption. You will not get it automatically.

What you need to apply

You’ll need your 8-digit Council Tax account number. It’s shown at the top of your most recent Council Tax bill. 

The form may ask you to upload proof that you're eligible for a discount. 

Proof we need

A letter from the British Council or educational organisation. It must include:

• your name
• your current address
• confirmation that you're working as a foreign language assistant
• the address of the school or educational organisation you're working at

We also need a copy of your passport and visa.

Apply

You must answer all the questions on the form even if you know which discount you’re applying for. 

What happens next

It can take up to 21 working days for us to process your application and decide if you're eligible.

We may ask you for more proof.

If you're eligible for the discount, we'll send you an updated bill.

You must tell us within 21 days about any change in your circumstances that may affect your entitlement to a discount or exemption. If you do not tell us, you could get a £70 fixed penalty.

If we decide you're not eligible, we'll tell you in writing. You can appeal our decision.